Ben Houston Kirkland, Jr., age 96, went to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on October 20, 2024.

Ben was born on July 26, 1928, in Quanah, Texas, to Ben Houston Kirkland (Hugh) and Alline Grady Kirkland. The family moved to Wichita Falls in 1936. He attended Alamo and Crockett Elementary Schools, Zundy Junior High, and graduated from Wichita Falls Senior High. He then attended Midwestern State University for one year then on to the University of Texas at Austin from which he graduated in 1950, with a BBA degree. Ben joined the Naval Reserve in 1951, and was an active member for many years.

After graduation Ben returned to Wichita Falls and opened a ladies clothing store in downtown on Indiana Street. He later opened a second store in Parker Square. In 1995, he decided to retire and sold the store.

Ben & Margaret Magnum were married in Wichita Falls in 1955, and were happily married for 69 years. They raised two boys, Ben Houston Kirkland, III, and Kevin Lee Kirkland.

Ben loved the outdoors including fly fishing each summer and fall in Colorado. He was an avid handball player and also enjoyed tennis, golf, and dove hunting. He and Margaret traveled to many countries. Ben lived a fulfilling life with family and friends.

Ben was interested in community activities. He served on several boards and was active in the WF Chambers of Commerce, served on the Grand Jury, the board of directors at the WF Country Club. He was an active member of the Mounted Patrol and The Board of Wichita Country Water Improvement District No. 2 until his death.

Ben was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church and a member of the men's Sunday school class.

In later life Ben joined the staff at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home. He very much enjoyed being a "greeter" at visitations and funerals and driving the coach.

Honorary pallbearers are: Charles Barnard, Bill Barnard, Don Rowe, Dr. Erwin Soell, Kyle Miller, Keith Meadows, Bobby Baumer, Bobby Rowland, Billy Easter, Wayne Jordan, Jim Wilson and Steve Fairchild.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Grady Kirkland Ross.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his sister, Joy Kirkland Apple of Irving, Texas; his two sons, Ben Kirkland, III, and wife Pam of Lake Texoma, Texas, and Kevin Kirkland and wife Mancy of Frisco, Texas; his grandchildren, Allison Kirkland Wong and husband Wei, and Carter V. Kirkland of Frisco, Texas; brother-in-law, Dr. Carl Magnum and wife Joyce of Houma, Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Lunn's Colonial Chapel on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with a visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Hospice and at Advanced Rehabilitation Center for their excellent care and concern.